Pace
/peɪs/
Definitions
3 meaningsThe speed at which someone or something moves.
/peɪs/
The rate of movement, especially of walking or running.
The dog set a brisk pace along the trail.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're walking. Your pace is how fast or slow you're walking. If you walk quickly, your pace is fast; if you stroll, your pace is slow. For example, you can walk at a fast pace when you’re late for school.
👶 For kids: How fast you walk or run.
More Examples
The teacher adjusted her pace to match her students.
The relentless pace of the city can be overwhelming.
How It's Used
"The runner maintained a steady pace throughout the marathon."
"The slow pace of life in the countryside is very relaxing."
To walk at a steady rate, often repeatedly.
/peɪs/
To walk at a steady and consistent speed, usually back and forth.
She paced the length of the room, deep in thought.
💡 Simply: To pace is like walking back and forth in a steady way, like when you're waiting for something important. Like when you are nervous, you might pace back and forth.
👶 For kids: To walk back and forth.
More Examples
The lion paced its enclosure at the zoo.
He paced anxiously while waiting for the test results.
How It's Used
"He paced nervously in the waiting room before the interview."
"The coach paced the players during training."
To control the speed or rate of something.
/peɪs/
To set the speed of something.
The lead runner paced the first few miles.
💡 Simply: Pacing means setting a speed. For example, the hare set a fast pace to beat the tortoise.
👶 For kids: To set the speed.
More Examples
She paced her learning to avoid burnout.
The coach paced the team's practice sessions.
How It's Used
"He paced himself to conserve energy during the race."
"The conductor paced the tempo of the orchestra."
Idioms & expressions
keep pace with
To move or progress at the same rate as someone or something else.
"She worked hard to keep pace with her classmates."
at a rapid pace
Happening or progressing very quickly.
"The project is moving forward at a rapid pace."
put someone through their paces
To test someone's abilities or skills thoroughly.
"The job interview really put me through my paces."
From Old French *pas* (step, pace), from Vulgar Latin *passus* (step, pace), from Latin *passus* (a pace, step), from *pandere* (to spread out, to walk).
Used since the 13th century, initially referring to a single step or a measured distance, evolving to its current meaning.
Memory tip
Think of a runner's pace – how quickly they are moving.